I have a Chiltons manual and it says the timing in my 89 460 efi is factory set and can not be changed, yet I read on this site it can be advanced from stock 10degrees to 14 degrees or so to help mpg and power. does anyone have a detailed description or a site where I can find out if I can set it or not and if I can how to do it? thanks.

 

get a timing light...connect it to the number 1 spark plug wire...warm up the engine and then shut off...disconnect the spout, looks like a jumper plug on the distributor wire hareness...start and check timing...loosen bolt at base of distributor to adjust

 

Thanks. I don't have a tach to check rpms, do I just check it at idle or do I need a tach to set it correctly? I have a timing light. thanks

 

You don't need a tach to set the timing. The computer controls all timing advance, so the distributor is fixed (no springs/weights/etc). As long as the SPOUT connector is removed, taking away the computer control, your timing light will show base timing only, no matter what the rpm.

 

if u want to check your timing and rpm they make timing lights that do both

 

What is the secret to getting the distributer to move? I loosened up the nut and the disributer still won't budge. It is set at 10 degrres btdc. I tried using a wrench to turn the distrib. but I am afraid to break something as it is tight. Last time I did one of these years ago the distr. was easy to move.

 

The rubber o-ring has dried up and is all hard, If you do get it to move you might get an oil leak, if it breaks. It should losen up tho. Do you have the bolt lose enough?

 

Yes the bolt is completely backed off. How tough is it to replace the oring. I was really reefing on it and it did not budge. If it is not too tough I will get a bigger hammer. LOL. otherwise I will leave it. There is a little oil seepage in that area the way it is. thanks

 

You have to take the dist out to change the oring. Just mark the rotor on the cap before you take it out and then when you lift the dist up and the rotor spins mark where it stops. Then you can put it back in the same place. I still dont understand why it isnt moving. Maybe some corrosion where the dist sits on the block. Keep at it. Youll get it.

 

Thanks for the response. I don't know why it is so stubborn. It absolutely will not move. I guess I will leave it for now. I wanted to advance the timing to 14 degrees but no go for now.

 

Maybe if you spray around the base with pb blaster it will losen up.